16 December 2018

WELCOME TO ST COLUMBA CHURCH! People have been coming to this building to worship God for over a hundred years. While our town has journeyed through many changes over those years, the constancy of the witness of the “Church on Midton Road” has remained uninterrupted. The mission of any Church is to reflect through its presence, its music, its fellowship and its beauty the transcendence of God, and we seek to do that here in all that we share.
We hope that everyone who enters these doors will find an encouraging, friendly group of people. While we are far from perfect, we are regularly discovering truths that are changing us individually and enriching our lives as a church community. As we worship together, learn from the Bible, and pray for one another, we are strengthened in our commitment to Jesus Christ as well as to each other. If this is your first time here, we welcome you, and invite you to share the joy that we have found.
AT THE DOORS TO WELCOME YOU TODAY: Team 9: Mr. Duncan Anderson, Mr. Fraser Walker,
Mr. Bill Caven, Mr. Ron Currie, Mr. David Campbell, Mrs. Christine McLaughlin, Mrs. Elizabeth Gardiner, Mrs. Joan Dunlop, Miss Isobel Sutherland, Mr. David Inglis, Mrs. Margaret Cardie, Mrs. Margaret Doncaster and Mr. Jim Hunter
MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mrs. Liz Challis and Mr. John Davidson and Family.

Sunday 23 December 2018 Fourth Sunday in Advent
SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE MINISTER
9.30 am Family Worship Sacrament of Baptism Duty Team: 10 Sound: Mr. John Ferguson
10.00 am Holiday St. Columba Kids
11.15am Morning Worship Dedication of new Stained Glass Windows Sound: Mr. Brian McKinlay

20’s IN THE PEWS: Total collected in November £76.23. The Kirk Session has decided to donate funds raised this year to support the work of ACE (Racerunning) Disability Recreation and Sport, Ayr.
LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of the December edition are available for uplifting at the main door of the Church. There are extra copies available at both doors priced £2.50
COLUMBA NEWS: Material for the next edition should be with the editor today Sunday 16th December. Articles should be emailed to the editor at: editor.columbanews@gmail.com
ADVENT MUSIC FOR MEDITATION: Tuesday and Friday 18th and 21st December, 10.00am-12.00 noon. Please come and go in your own time.
FOOD BANK: please continue to remember a few extra items when you shop- urgently required are tins of meat Mince, Stew, Chilli, Irish Stew , curry etc. The demand for the Food Bank continues to rise.
OUR CAFÉ CHANTANT was a huge success. Fantastic homebaking in a very festive atmosphere. By popular demand we will be running the Café again next Thursday from 10.30 till noon
FRASER’S RETIRAL LUNCH: Sunday 31st March Lunch. The lists are now closed. Due to the overwhelming response it is not possible to have a reserve list.
MENS ASSOCIATION: Next Meeting Monday 17th December 7.30pm in Struthers Room. Speaker Filippo Mancini his talk is entitled “Ice Cream Cone King”, it will be an interesting evening, come along you will be most welcome.
LOCHSIDE MISSION CHRISTMAS – All preparations are moving on apace. If you can help with wrapping please contact us on 289708. We need presents for children and teens (drop off box is in the Carrick Park vestibule or to Lochside Church), supplies of paper would be a wonderful bonus, and delivery drivers are needed from 20th Dec. In addition we are seeking support to help fund utility vouchers, donations can be left in the Church Office.
WELLINGTON SCHOOL SERVICES: Juniors at 2.00pm on Wednesday 19th and Seniors at 10.30am on Thursday 20th December. All welcome!

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:
AYR HOSPITAL: Mrs. Anne Ball (Stn 4)
THE BIGGART HOSPITAL: Mrs. Margaret Stirling (Urquhart)
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, GLASGOW: Mrs. Marlene Hamilton (Spinal Unit)
Our warmest thoughts and prayers are extended to Mrs Rosemary Smith of Carrick Gardens on the death of her husband, Alan. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday first, 18th December, at 2.00pm

Our sympathy is extended to Mrs Anne Ball on the death of her partner, Mr. Stuart Avery. The funeral service will be held at Masonhill on Thursday 20th at 10.30am.

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Jim Wilcox who passed away in Crosshouse hospital this past week. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.